West
Impact of COVID-19 seen in strawberry industry report from Rabobank
Strawberry planted acreage in California is up year-over-year in 2020 from its lowest level in almost 15 years, and increased plantings in the Santa Maria producing region continue. Florida’s acreage remains flat, while strawberry plantings... more »
Sakata Seed America donates masks, gloves to aid response
Sakata Seed America is doing its part to support medical professionals and the health care system amid the COVID-19 crisis. Sakata Seed America, a breeder and producer for the vegetable and ornamental seed markets, utilizes... more »
COVID-19 not food system threat; California farmers still feel pinch
COVID-19 does not currently pose major threats to overall global food security because adequate stores of staples – like wheat and rice – remain available. But the sustainability of California specialty crops may face greater hurdles, reported Laura... more »
Colorado agriculture seen as ‘Critical Business’ in stay-at-home order
On March 25, 2020, Colorado Gov. Jared Governor Polis issued a statewide Stay-At-Home Order and CDPHE issued the amended Public Health Order (PHO) 20-24 to implement the Governor’s EO. The order began today, March 26, 2020... more »
Bolthouse acquires Rousseau’s carrot operations
Building on its 100 plus years of carrot farming heritage, Bakersfield, California-based Bolthouse Farms announced March 25 it had entered into an agreement to acquire Arizona-based Rousseau Farming Co.'s carrot operations. This move, part of Bolthouse... more »
Berry donations to schools puts Bobalu Berries in position to help
Like many family businesses, Oxnard, California-based Bobalu Berries is navigating through the global issue occurring, but as a farming company, is also navigating through normal spring weather patterns as demand increases for its fresh strawberries.... more »
H-2A visas’ assurance during pandemic sought by Feinstein
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, called on the State Department to protect the nation’s food supply chain by ensuring agriculture workers are able to receive H-2A visas during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The ability to harvest food is... more »
CDFA’s COVID-19 resources webpage: Updated information for food, agriculture
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA’s) COVID-19 dedicated webpage is constantly updated with resources for those in the Food and Agriculture sector, which is regarded as critical infrastructure in this crisis as well as all... more »